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Jack Garratt has been named winner of the BBC Music Sound of 2016 poll. The annual award, which aims to predict the artists who are likely to have a fruitful 12 months ahead of them, has

previously been won by Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and Adele, among others. Garratt, who hails from Little Chalfont in Buckinghamshire, mixes elements of folk, electronica and R&B to

create a soulful but often minimal pop sound. He's not unlike a less experimental James Blake, which admittedly might not set pulses racing, but then the BBC poll is not known for

uncovering genre-shredding mavericks. Garratt is to release his debut album, Phase, in February, and won the other prize that tends to accurately predict stardom – the Brits critics'

choice award – in November. "Winning the BBC Music Sound of 2016 poll has left me feeling pretty stunned at the end of one of the most emotionally and physically intense years of my

life," said Garratt. "I cannot thank the BBC enough for their continued support, and everyone who voted for me. Every other name on the list is unbelievably talented, and I hope

this year will be a great one for all of us." Garratt fought off competition from Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara, who came second, and R&B-tinged singer and producer NAO,

in third. Five-piece psychedelic band Blossoms, from Stockport, were in fourth, while there was a tie for the fifth spot between Mura Masa and WSTRN. The poll, which this year collated tips

from 144 music industry experts, has been running since 2003. Other past winners include 50 Cent, Keane, Little Boots, Jessie J and Haim. Last year's winners were Years & Years, who

finished ahead of James Bay, Stormzy, Raury and George the Poet. Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens said: "Jack Garratt is an incredibly exciting artist. He's influenced by and understands a

lot of different genres, from blues to electronica, and through his songwriting and live performances has become something of a phenomenon both live and on record."